From:

Job title:

Employer:

Education:

Bachelor of Commerce and Management, Graduate Diploma in Project Management, Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management

Moved to Christchurch:

January 2013

Why did you choose to move to Christchurch?

The main driver for my return to New Zealand was to raise my children as Kiwis (at the time, they were aged three, five and seven). After 15 years in the Middle East with my own business ventures, I decided to retrain. I enrolled at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) to study business processes and efficiency. I was introduced to Effectus Ltd as part of CPIT’s industry project programme. Living as an expat always felt like a privileged, yet temporary situation – not the real deal. We only get one shot at life, and returning to New Zealand and being part of a community of like-minded, down-to-earth people was important to me. Being back in Christchurch this past year has really cemented that for me and I’ve met some great, genuine people. I am excited that Christchurch is full of such innovative and inspirational people and businesses.

What does your company do?

Effectus is an information technology (IT) consultancy company that provides a range of services, including IT governance, to help clients get more value from their investments in IT.

What does your job involve?

Together, we develop best practice solutions that improve efficiency and basically make things smoother for everyone – making work/life more enjoyable!!

What do you enjoy about your job?

Effectus is a fantastic, friendly company to work for. They are always willing to expose you to an array of new learning opportunities and support your development. Equally, I enjoy meeting different people and teams within our client companies. It’s satisfying to have everyone working together to define and understand real business issues.

How do you see your career progressing?

I’m only in the early stages of learning about the information technology (IT) sector. Perhaps one day I’ll use my past international business management experience coupled with my new IT knowledge to do some community work at a board level. I could help smaller companies and institutions with their strategic direction and IT governance. I think there is a real need for greater IT oversight at the board level and for more women in governance roles in New Zealand. I may also eventually do some further postgraduate studies in IT. Being in Christchurch, amongst a strong group of innovative and talented people, and with a great support network, I actually feel quite lucky to have found such a great opportunity for myself and my children.

Tell us about your lifestyle in Christchurch:

Fun at work: I’ve just started work, but there seems to be lots of opportunities to join in with things going on at EPIC (Christchurch’s centre for innovation-based companies) or Friday night drinks. As a start, I’ve been enjoying muffins for morning tea on Fridays as a good way for a social catch-up in the office and getting to know everyone better.

Fun outside of work: I’ve got my eye on swimming lengths during lunchtime, but haven’t quite got up the courage to bring in my swimming suit. Now that I’ve said that out loud, I might just have to do it!

Family aspects:

My three kids love Christchurch and really enjoy their schools and how much is on offer to them. They had been at a small rural school previously, so there is heaps more for them to try out in Christchurch to find what they are really good at. I enjoyed my year at CPIT, so Christchurch has been great for all of us in terms of education and development. I feel pretty safe here, and have found my neighbours and friends really supportive and helpful, which is very welcoming.

Life in Christchurch:

I love how quick and easy it is to get around Christchurch (except for the obvious earthquake road works). I also love how many activities and events are on if you are looking for somewhere to go to entertain the kids or do something on the weekends or in the school holidays. The libraries, museums, pools, parks and gardens are great community facilities.